Puma Energy Secures Major African Aviation Fuel Deal

Puma Energy has bolstered its status as a top aviation fuel supplier in Africa by winning a substantial new contract, enhancing the company's influence in one of the world's rapidly expanding aviation markets. Through a competitive multi-airline jet fuel tender with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Puma Energy gained an advantage over competitors TotalEnergies and Vivo. Puma will provide the majority of the fuel volumes for key airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.

The agreement represents another strategic step in Puma Energy's long-term expansion across the continent, where reliable jet fuel supply has become increasingly important as airlines continue rebuilding networks, adding frequencies and opening new routes. While the financial value of the deal has not been publicly disclosed, it underlines the company's ambition to become the preferred aviation fuel partner for airlines operating throughout Africa.

The latest contract comes at a time when fuel security has become a major concern for airlines. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability and fluctuating refinery output have all highlighted the importance of dependable fuel suppliers capable of maintaining consistent operations across multiple airports.

Puma Energy has spent the past several years investing heavily in its aviation business. Today, the company supplies Jet A-1 fuel at more than 115 airports worldwide, with Africa forming one of its key strategic growth regions. The company has steadily expanded its footprint through investments in airport fuel infrastructure, storage facilities and hydrant systems, particularly in Southern and West Africa.

The company's aviation division has also enjoyed strong commercial momentum during 2026. According to its first-quarter financial results, aviation volumes increased by 10% year-on-year, while margins improved by 25%. Puma Energy attributed much of this growth to additional business secured in Africa, where it successfully supported airlines during periods of regional fuel supply constraints.

For African aviation, dependable fuel suppliers are becoming increasingly important as airports compete to attract new airlines and establish themselves as regional hubs. Airport operators can only expand sustainably if carriers are confident that fuel will be available at competitive prices and delivered to internationally recognised quality standards.

Puma Energy has demonstrated this strategy in several African markets. In Ghana, the company invested in major aviation fuel storage facilities at Kotoka International Airport, significantly increasing storage capacity and helping position Accra as a regional aviation hub. In Tanzania, it completed extensions to airport hydrant systems to improve aircraft turnaround times, while in Mozambique, it expanded its aviation operations through the acquisition of Air BP's aviation fuel assets across seven airports.

The latest agreement further strengthens that growing network and reflects confidence in Africa's long-term aviation potential. Passenger traffic across the continent continues to recover, with several airlines announcing fleet expansion plans and new international services throughout 2026.

From a South African perspective, the announcement is particularly relevant. South Africa remains one of the continent's busiest aviation markets, serving as a gateway between Africa and the rest of the world. International carriers continue to expand services to Johannesburg and Cape Town, while regional operators such as Airlink, FlySafair, CemAir and the South African Airways Group are increasing connectivity throughout Southern Africa.

Reliable aviation fuel infrastructure is therefore essential not only for commercial operations but also for supporting tourism, trade and cargo movements. As airlines seek operational resilience, they increasingly favour fuel suppliers capable of providing consistent service across multiple destinations, reducing operational risk and simplifying fuel procurement.

Puma Energy already maintains a significant presence across Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and several other regional markets. This broad geographic coverage enables airlines to work with a single supplier across multiple destinations, an increasingly attractive proposition as carriers focus on improving operational efficiency.